The last time audiences saw The Fantastic Four on the big screen, they were not left satisfied and one could argue the idea of the film not taking place in the MCU was a big part of that. Now that Marvel has the property rights, fans have been presenting their ideas of who they believe should play the four titular heroes.
One name that has frequently come up is John Krasinski. But this isn’t the same John Krasinski who played Jim in the renowned show The Office. This John Krasinski is far more seasoned now and with the MCU making a major transition into its next phase, why not dive deeper into this possibility? Here are five reasons the casting would be perfect and five reasons it wouldn’t.
Perfect: Not His First Action Movie
Krasinski has previously shown that he has the chops to take on an action role and in the MCU, that is exactly what he would be taking on if cast. Sure, one could argue Reed Richards is one of if not the smartest man in the Marvel universe, but he takes part in his fair share of battles as well.
It is safe to say that his image of being a loveable desk-jockey has been amended and the image of a full-blown action star can be applied to this fan favorite.
Wouldn’t Work: Cannot Pull Off Being Smartest Man In MCU
Everyone can agree that Krasinksi has a nice catalog of likable characters, but Reed Richards is vastly different. His genius-level intellect is often unmatched and is sure to play an essential role in the MCU moving forward.
The bigger question is, can we see Krasinksi in a lab or so deep into the science field that its believable? How many times are we going to think, Jim really isn’t that smart is he? Casting the man who essentially replaces Tony Stark (in terms of knowledge, IQ, and leadership) is going to be significant for Marvel and fans want this one to be done right.
Perfect: Fans Cannot Get Enough Of Him
The Office is arguably one of the greatest shows ever and continues to transcend generations. Sure, fans love Michael Scott but the love for Jim was just about equal. After the show, Krasinski’s trajectory continued to rise as did his opportunities. He starred in movies like 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi and A Quiet Place (currently directing the sequel).
His exposure to the fans has not wavered on the big or small screen (Jack Ryan) and coupling him with the MCU (another franchise fans cannot get enough of) would certainly point to major success for all parties included.
Wouldn’t Work: Might Not Have Same Directorial Opportunities
Krasinski does not have an extensive list in his directing credits but his cache in the seat has increased with his A Quiet Place franchise. The MCU is not exactly known for allowing its actors to direct their films, just ask Edward Norton.
Even if the MCU did not offer a director’s role to Krasinksi for their films, he would more than likely still be up for it. However, we’ve seen him show off his directing chops and they have come with praise from fans as well as critics. Given that he has seen success in the director’s chair, wouldn’t the fans want to see him do the same in the MCU?
Perfect: He Wants It
The MCU is clearly at a point in their franchise where actors are coming out to express their interest in wanting to join their profitable team, but the selection process can be an easier one when fan-favorite actors want in and Krasinski said as much. Clearly, this doesn’t always work out but when you have actors such as John Krasinski (fan favorite) or Mahershala Ali (Academy Award Winner) calling to be included, you listen.
Additionally, when actors show interest in a role before even being contacted by the studios, it shows their willingness to dive deep into the character and his/her lore.
Wouldn’t Work: The Fans Cannot Get Over Jim
Just because this is a reason this won’t work, doesn’t mean it is a negative reason. Jim Halpert has become such a loveable character from The Office, and it is always a topic of discussion during his interviews. We cannot get enough of Jim’s hobby that consists of picking on Dwight or Jim’s adorable pursuit of Pam.
Fans might need to take a hard look in the mirror and ask themselves, can they let go of Jim for the betterment of the MCU?Krasinski will always be Jim in most eyes but at some point, we have to let go, right?
Perfect: Perfect Age
Currently, Krasinksi is 40 years of age and given the character we are discussing, it is the perfect time to cast him to play Richards. Richards is a seasoned scientist which would be closer to Ioan Gruffudd’s iteration as opposed to Miles Teller’s.
Age is also a factor in terms of Krasinski’s possible longevity in the MCU. He can be part of this ever-growing universe for a very long time without having retirement on the horizon. Preparing for a superhero role can be taxing mentally and physically so age is very crucial in the casting process.
Wouldn’t Work: Too Big To Play Reed Richards
Yes, one could argue Krasinski is too big to play Reed Richards, but that is not to say he is too big to play in the MCU. Reed Richards is very important in the Marvel universe and his role overall is rarely rivaled. However, when general fans think of Marvel characters, is Richards a top ten thought? Top twenty? Maybe. Maybe not, but it is important to think about it.
Furthermore, the last few times Reed Richards was on the big screen, audiences may have thought of him as an afterthought given Johnny Storm and The Thing’s visual elements.
Perfect: MCU Wins…Again
Marvel has a track record of getting their ideal actor/actress to play in their franchise and some have rewarded them greatly. Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) all have been part of the driving force to Marvel’s success.
Krasinski would further this narrative because fans would not only be driving to the theater to see him in the MCU, but they would be driving to go see the kid from The Office take on this titular role in their favorite franchise. Marvel is on a home run streak with their films and for them to cast John Krasinski in any role would continue said streak.
Wouldn’t Work: Nothing Announced
Ever since Disney purchased Fox, fans have been salivating over the endless possibilities that can now occur in the MCU. One, of course, is a Fantastic Four reboot and with Marvel announcing their upcoming slate, one property was absent. The Fantastic Four reboot has not yet been announced and up until now has only been rumored. If Marvel decided to announce it tomorrow that would possibly put the release date at the year of 2022, best case scenario. The expectation of more announcements in the future is high and fans will be paying close attention to events like the San Diego Comic-Con or the D23 Expo for such news.
If they continue to wait to release Fox’s former properties, wouldn’t the chance of a Krasinski casting dwindle? An argument can be made but here’s to hoping that is not the case and an official announcement is imminent.